Caring4Cancer

I don't see a lot of messages regarding Renal Cell Carcinoma - but I have hope that someone out there that is going through this & well respond.  I am a 37 year old women.  I just found in Jan 26 I had this cancer in Stage 4.  The tumor messured over 10 cm and was completely incased in my right kidney.  2 Days later I found out it mattesisied (moved) to my brain and set up two more tumors.  My oncologist has not given me any "expections" excpect I am young and strong and healthy (other then cancer). She is putting me on the oral drug Torisal (sp not sure) this week.  I had the entire kidney and tumor removed Feb 4 and then underwent 15 days of brain radiation and then on March 13 had a radioactive surgery called Gammaknife to kill thoses in my brain.  Those results will not be in for 6 weeks.  I have two small children and I am a single mom with an exhusband that is trying to cope.  ANY response good or bad from this site would be so helpful.  I am scared - but I believe in Miracles and I plan on fighting this to HEALTH! 

My email is halfcompletepkg@yahoo.com  IF anyone on this site can respond PLEASE - I look forward to hearing from you.

 Sincerely,

Annette

Hey Annette

  It sounds like you have been thru a good bit there. I dealt with my cancer stage 4 twice . but I am here. As your are too. After a while you will get back to normal and just keep going for check ups . Then the time inbetween those will get longer and longer. That is all you can do I don't think they will ever say it is gone . But ya never know. You have been thru the worst of it because I still think that is the 1st day they tell you that you have cancer of anykind. Let alone stage 4 and you better get your living will in order. But i had a lot of good Dr.s and nurses. I also had some I just did not deal with. I think people dont get it that they have choices. At least get a Dr. who will take the time to explain what is up and also be honest . well good luck I hope it all works out for ya there. And a little prayer never hurt's. :)

Thank you for the encouraging words.  I have the best doctors a girl can ask for!  My internist has become a friend and in such a short time she has also become a Christian.  I agree about the choices we have - getting my voice to become louder has been a trial for me, as I am a quite and "whatever" type of person.  Are you in remission?  Are you on any oral meds?  I am going on Sutent this week.  I don;t like what the side effects are but the dr. says its my best to try first before the other 2 renal cell drugs - I guess they suck more then Sutent.  Again - thanks for the email. Take care.

Annette